"Comparing a four-year contract to a five-year contract is like comparing apples to oranges," Coon told The Times. "A player who signs a four-year contract can presume he will sign for a fifth year down the line. It's not a matter of leaving that money on the table, it's a matter of locking in that money, and his future value, right now."

Anthony, who won an NCAA title at Syracuse, would be 34 after a four-year contract, eligible for another three-year deal.

"For Anthony, other factors may come into play," Coon said. "There could be a new collective bargaining agreement between the owners and players' union in 2017. It could very well be more favorable to the players.

"In addition, the NBA is expected to negotiate a new national television deal in 2016, which could significantly increase revenues and salaries. Anthony could take advantage by timing his next free agency for 2017."

From the beginning, the Lakers have appealed to Anthony's business sense, pitching him on the one thing they have over New York — Hollywood instead of Wall Street.

Executives from Time Warner Cable and AEG made presentations at the Lakers' sit-down with Anthony last Thursday. Movie producer Joel Silver also made an appearance and showed Anthony a four-minute trailer he created about Anthony's career.

Another thing mentioned in the meeting was a possible venture for Anthony's wife, Alani "La La" Vazquez, a TV personality who has been the centerpiece of a reality TV series for almost three years — "La La's Full Court Life."

At the same time, though, the Lakers also told Anthony they didn't need him to sell tickets.

They needed something different than that from him. They needed his help to win more games.